Middle phalanx fracture

Last revised by Mostafa El-Feky ◉ on 18 Jun 2020

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

O'Graphy T, El-Feky M, Deng F, et al. Middle phalanx fracture. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 21 Sep 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41776

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41776

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/41776

rID:

41776

Article created:

19 Dec 2015, Tom O'Graphy

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Tom O'Graphy had no recorded disclosures.

View Tom O'Graphy's current disclosures

Last revised:

18 Jun 2020, Mostafa El-Feky ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Mostafa El-Feky had no recorded disclosures.

View Mostafa El-Feky's current disclosures

Revisions:

8 times, by 3 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal, Trauma

Tags:

phalanx, phalanges, finger, refs, upper extremity fracture

Middle phalanx fractures are the least common of the phalanx fractures.

Radiographic features

These fractures are generally well visualized on plain radiographs. Ultrasonography can be used in unclear cases.

Treatment and prognosis

Non-displaced fractures can be treated conservatively with a palmar or dorsal splint fixating the interphalangeal joints for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. It should not be longer to avoid the interphalangeal joints to become stiff, and because the majority of fractures are stable.

Displaced fractures or open fractures are treated surgically with fixation by Kirchner wires or very small screws.